CEO's welcome: So many ways to get involved

The new government has shown welcome intent for engaging with professional bodies. We have already joined the minister James Murray MP for meetings on various issues from our tax system priorities to the promised business tax roadmap. This was very topical, having featured the previous week as the subject of our latest IFS/CIOT debate, where we were joined by David Gauke, the former Treasury minister in charge of the last two business tax roadmaps in 2010 and 2016. We are looking forward to hearing about the government’s plans for regulation – aswell as the details of their first Budget!

With the Budget on 30 October, the ATT and CIOT technical officers have made a series of representations commenting on government policy and suggesting new policy for inclusion in the upcoming Budget. We are always keen tohear from members about practical instances where the legislation is not working as originally anticipated, or where changes to the tax system could make it easier to navigate. Please share your ideas with us at [email protected] and [email protected].

The CIOT has joined forces with theICAEW’s Tax Faculty to produce anevidence-based report with recommendations on HMRC’s services – the main concern we continue to hear about from members. The six week data gathering exercise started on 9 September with over 30 firms volunteeringto record their contact with HMRC via webchat and phone lines. We look forward to analysing the results and updating you on our progress later in the year, as well as hearing more about the government’s plans for increased investment in HMRC.

There are lots of other ways in which we encourage members to get involved. On3 October, ATT members can join a free online webinar on MTD to hear about the latest developments and what you need to do in practical terms to prepare for MTD.

On 9 October, ATT Fellows can join a free webinar where they can meet other ATT Fellows and join a range of discussion groups. The main session ‘The end of furnished holiday lets – what do you and your clients need to know?’ will be presented by David Wright. It will be followed by discussion groups covering such diverse subjects as ‘Employment status – the case for (and against) a statutory test’, ‘Practical tax problems – what issues are you seeing in 2024?’ and‘The Budget – what are you and your clients worried about?’ If you are an ATT member or Fellow, look out for your invitation and details of how to register.

In November, the ATT will again be working collaboratively with the AAT to present its Sharpen Your Tax skills series. Barry Jefferd and the ATT technical teamwill update us on recent topical tax changes, including plenty of practical and interactive examples. Keep an eye on the weekly newsletters for how to register.

The ATT has listened to employers who have asked that we do more to encourage and promote tax as a career option for students and career switchers. We have revised and relaunched our schools and careers resources packs under the ‘Step into Tax’ strapline, and now have new brochures, FAQs and videos where our members give their insights into their experiences of studying for the ATT and what the qualification has meant to them. Find out more at www.att.org.uk/stepintotax.

Finally, the ATT has hit a significant milestone by welcoming its 10,000th member. We are pleased that people choose the ATT and recognise it as the leading professional body for those providing UK tax compliance services.